Charitable 95-year-old millionaire philanthropist awards over 200,000 young people

By Charles Harrison

The charitable foundation of a 95-year-old millionaire philanthropist has awarded over 200,000 achievement awards to young people, finds an independent study.

Bean Research conducted the study of the Jack Petchey Foundation, which was founded by Sir Jack Petchey in 1999, to celebrate the foundation’s 21st birthday.

The foundation’s Achievement Awards enable schools and organisations to celebrate the accomplishments of young people and receive additional funding.

Sir Jack said: “When young people receive our Achievement Awards they learn to believe in themselves.

“That’s what truly makes a difference.”

The £133m invested in the foundation’s programmes has supported over 800,000 young people in London and Essex, including investments of over £1m in Wandsworth since 2007.

In the foundation’s programmes, young people develop skills such as dance, maths and public speaking.

More than 96 per cent of youth sector leaders interviewed said that the foundation improves young people’s self-confidence and self-belief.

During Covid-19, the Jack Petchey Foundation launched Jack Petchey’s Community Awards, recognising young people who are supporting their communities during lockdown.

Over 300 people have been given the award.

Sir Petchey made his fortune after investing in timeshare properties, and was knighted in 2016 for the charitable services of his foundation.